AFB Announces 2026-2027 AFB Scholars
CONTACT: Tony Stephens, Assistant Vice-President, Communications 212.502.7627 | tstephens@afb.org
ARLINGTON, VA (June 9, 2026) — The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) announced today the recipients of the 2026-2027 AFB Scholars Program. Supported through the Lulu J. Alonso Scholarship Fund, the program invests in students who are blind or have low vision as they pursue higher education and prepare to become leaders in their fields.
This year's recipients were selected through three scholarship pathways: Aging & Vision Loss, Research, and Science & Technology. Together, these awards support students pursuing careers that advance opportunity, inclusion, and quality of life for people who are blind or have low vision.
Through the AFB Scholars Program, students receive scholarships of up to $28,000 for graduate study, $20,000 for undergraduate study, and $8,000 for community college programs, helping reduce financial barriers while supporting academic achievement and leadership development. Now in its second year, the AFB Scholars Program continues to expand opportunities for students who are blind or have low vision to pursue higher education while building networks, gaining mentorship, and preparing for future success.
“Through this engaging scholarship program, we’re not only able to invest in our scholars’ future, but we’re also able to empower them to make a lasting impact for the greater good of society,” said Eric Bridges, AFB president and CEO. "Their accomplishments reflect the many ways people who are blind or have low vision can contribute to their communities and advance their fields.”
Aging & Vision Loss Scholarship Recipients
Isabelle Bailey of Maine is pursuing a Master of Social Work degree at the University of Maine with minors in Gerontology and Interdisciplinary Disability Studies. In addition to serving in graduate student leadership roles, Bailey co-hosts the National Association of Blind Students' NABS Now! podcast and serves on several boards and committees focused on accessibility, disability inclusion, and expanding access to outdoor education and recreation.
Jonesti Steele-Averitte of Alabama is pursuing a graduate degree in Rehabilitation Counseling at the University of Alabama, along with a certificate in Gerontology. A member of the Alabama Warriors goalball team, Steele-Averitte is pursuing a career in rehabilitation counseling while completing graduate studies focused on disability and aging.
Research Scholarship Recipient
Bradley Blair of Tennessee is a doctoral student in Educational Psychology at Northern Illinois University with a concentration in Research, Evaluation, and Assessment. A former participant in AFB's Blind Leaders Development Program, Blair has published scholarly work on blindness-related topics, served on both state and international boards of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER), and regularly contributes to the field as a peer reviewer for leading blindness and visual impairment journals, including AFB’s Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness (JVIB).
Science & Technology Scholarship Recipient
Amelia Laing of Washington will begin her studies at Wellesley College this fall, where she plans to major in Chemistry. An accomplished student leader, Laing founded her high school's Disability Student Union and has worked to improve accessibility and inclusion for students in her school and community.
The AFB Scholars Program is part of AFB's broader commitment to expanding educational opportunities and cultivating leadership among people who are blind or have low vision. By investing in today's scholars, AFB is helping cultivate the next generation of leaders, researchers, and innovators. For more information about the AFB Scholars Program, visit www.afb.org/scholarships.
Founded in 1921, the American Foundation for the Blind creates equal opportunities and expands possibilities for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision through advocacy, thought leadership, and strategic partnerships. In addition to publishing the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (JVIB), AFB is also the proud steward of the Helen Keller Archive, which is available on the AFB website at www.afb.org.